Powered by 4 - May 13, 2011

today's reading.Acts 3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour...

think about it.
What was the lame man waiting for? What did he receive (3:6-8)? What was the response to this miracle (3:9-11)? How have you asked for one thing but received something even better from God? Peter took advantage of this opportunity to preach; what was the core of his message?

the blog.
Have you ever heard the phrase "Give credit where credit is due"? We see a great example of this in Acts 3 where Peter heals a lame man. As soon as the man realizes that he is healed, he begins walking and leaping and he enters the temple with Peter and John in this joyful manner. As you might expect, people were amazed and they turned their attention to Peter and John because they perceived them as powerful miracle workers. Now it would have been easy for Peter to use this situation to elevate himself and make it all about him. But he isn't even tempted to go there. Instead, Peter boldly tells the crowd that it was through faith in the name of Jesus that this man was healed and then he goes on to present the Gospel.

So what are some things we can do to help us resist giving in to the temptation to elevate ourselves instead of God? Next time you accomplish something, how will you give God the credit--privately and publically? Tami W.

Powered by 4 is all about engaging God's Word and living it out--in community. So if it's encouragement you want or motivation you need, join the discussion on the P4 Blog--a place to weigh in on the daily scripture as well as share thoughts & questions. And, for a more in-depth look at the Powered by 4 readings, tune in to the daily Back to the Bible radio program with Woodrow Kroll.